Helipad Marking Paint — Specifications, Standards & Best Practices
Helipads and helidecks require highly visible, durable, and skid-resistant surface markings to support safe helicopter operations. Due to rotor wash, frequent landing/take-off cycles, and sometimes harsh weather (salt spray near coastal installations, extreme UV, rain), a dedicated helipad marking paint is essential. The paint must meet stringent standards for color contrast, reflectivity and skid resistance.
Key Standards & Color Requirements
- ICAO Annex 14 (Heliports) – provides guidelines on edge lighting, marking colours and orientation marks for heliports.
- FAA Advisory Circular AC 150/5345-43 – covers pavement markings for airports and heliports in the USA.
- Typical color choices: White “H” symbol and approach line, yellow circle or helipad perimeter, sometimes red border for firefighting zones.
- Recommended film thickness: 1.0-2.0 mm for moderate use, 2.0-3.5 mm or more for high-traffic helipads or offshore installations.
Formulations Suitable for Helipad Marking
Three common paint systems used on helipads:
- Epoxy traffic marking paint: Two-component epoxy offers high adhesion, excellent chemical resistance (fuel spill & hydraulic fluid), and good durability.
- MMA cold plastic paint: High-performance polyurethane/MMA systems that cure quickly and perform well under heavy wear.
- Thermoplastic road marking paint: Hot-melt systems suitable when applied via kettles; may be selected for large helidecks where heat application is feasible.
Recommended Technical Criteria
- Dry film thickness (DFT): minimum 1.0 mm, preferably 2.0-3.0 mm for heavy-use helipads.
- Skid resistance (BPN): ≥ 45 (Wet-condition) as per airport standard.
- Reflectivity: for night operations, retroreflective beads may be used where required.
- Resistance to hydraulic fluid, fuel, and salt-laden air (for offshore pads).
- Color stability: pigments rated for high UV exposure, minimal chalking or colour fade.
How to Choose the Right Helipad Marking Paint
- Determine substrate: asphalt vs concrete vs steel deck (in case of offshore helidecks).
- Estimate traffic: number of landings per hour/day and exposure to rotor wash.
- Check climate: seaside location? high UV? monsoon rains? cold weather? These affect paint selection.
- Choose compatible system: for high-chemical exposure and fast curing, epoxy or MMA may be preferred; if you already have thermoplastic equipment and hot-melt capability, thermoplastic is viable.
- Verify supplier offers technical data sheet (TDS), skid test results, sample panels, and compatibility with helipad markings standards (ICAO/FAA).
About TIANHUA Traffic’s Helipad Marking Paint Solutions
TIANHUA Traffic manufactures a full range of road & helipad marking paints, including thermoplastic, MMA and epoxy systems. Our helipad-grade formulations are optimized for offshore, tropical and high-UV conditions. Key features:
- Customized packaging: 25 kg bags or drum kits depending on volume.
- Factory price and export service with CIF delivery to major ports (Durban, Jebel Ali, Manila, etc.).
- Technical support: skid-resistance testing, colour matching, application guidance for hot-melt or cold systems.
Application & Maintenance Tips
Proper application and ongoing maintenance help extend life and performance:
- Ensure surface is clean, dry, oil-free and crack-sealed before application.
- Apply marking only when substrate temperature and ambient conditions are within manufacturer’s recommended range.
- For hot-melt thermoplastic, pre-heat kettle to correct temperature (e.g., 180-200 °C), maintain constant agitation, and apply with correct width and thickness.
- Monitor wear and reflectivity annually; plan for refresher coating when skid numbers drop or colour fades.
Summary
Choosing the right marking paint for helipads is a critical safety decision. Using a proven product formulated for helideck conditions, combined with correct application and maintenance, ensures clear visibility, skid safety and cost-efficient upkeep. TIANHUA Traffic is ready to support your helipad marking projects with certified materials, factory-direct pricing and global export service.
